Your local pharmacy is more than just a shop for medicines. It could save you a trip to your GP.

Your local pharmacy is the place to go to get any prescription medicines and clinical advice for minor health concerns. But they do a lot more than that.

As well as helping with common illnesses – like sore throats, coughs, colds, tummy troubles and aches and pains – pharmacy teams can also help with stopping smoking, cutting down on alcohol, advice on safe sex and emergency contraception.

Many pharmacies are open until late and at weekends. You don't need an appointment – you can just walk in. Find a pharmacy near you.

Most local pharmacies have consultation rooms for private conversations. Your pharmacist can also talk to you confidentially without anything being noted in your medical records, which some people may prefer.

Getting advice from a local pharmacist is the best first step for a minor health concern. But if you think you or your family member are more seriously ill, then a GP or hospital may be more appropriate.

Repeat prescriptions

If you're regularly prescribed the same medicine, your pharmacist can offer to manage your repeat prescriptions through the electronic prescription service. This means fewer trips to the GP just to get another prescription.

If you have a long-term medical condition that is stable, your GP may give you a repeat prescription that's valid for up to a year. Your pharmacist can supply your medicine at regular intervals so you don't have to keep going to your GP.

Let your pharmacist know if you are having any problems or side effects, and they can let your GP know.

Ask your GP about this service.

Medicines Use Review (MUR)

Lots of pharmacies now offer a detailed consultation about your medicines called a Medicines Use Review (MUR).

An MUR is especially useful for people who are taking several medicines.

You can talk about what you're taking, when you should be taking it, and any side effects you might be concerned about.

You should also tell your pharmacist if you are taking any over-the-counter medicines or any herbal remedies. They can advise you whether these can be taken at the same time or not.

If you're having problems, your pharmacist can offer advice or, if necessary, advise you to see your GP.

You can ask for an MUR, or your pharmacist or GP might recommend one.

They are done in a private consultation room in the pharmacy and you don't have to pay.

Afterwards, you'll be given a written record of the consultation and a copy will be sent to your GP.

Getting rid of unwanted medicines

If your medicine is out of date, unwanted, or some of it is left over after you have stopped taking it, don't put it in your household bin or flush it down the toilet. Instead, take it to your pharmacy to be disposed of safely.

the morning-after pill – this can be taken up to 72 hours after sex. The sooner you take it, the more likely it is to stop you getting pregnant. Most pharmacies sell it without prescription after a consultation with the pharmacist. Some may provide it free on the NHS

pregnancy tests – most pharmacies sell pregnancy test kits, and some have a private area where you can use the kit

needle and syringe exchange services

Minor ailment scheme

Some pharmacies also offer a minor ailment scheme for common health problems like aches and pains, skin conditions and stomach upsets.

If your pharmacy runs a minor ailment scheme, the pharmacist will be able to assess your needs, give you advice, suggest medicines if appropriate, and refer you to a GP if necessary.

When pharmacies provide medicines as part of a minor ailment scheme, you get the medicines on the NHS.

If you normally pay a prescription charge, this charge will apply here. If you're exempt from prescription charges – if you're under 16 or over 60, for example, or if you have a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) – you won't pay for the medicine.

Help with healthier living

Pharmacy teams can help you look after your and your family's health without having to go to the GP all the time.

Help with stopping smoking

Stop smoking services are also on offer at lots of pharmacies. As well as getting nicotine replacement therapy, such as nicotine gum or patches, or other stop-smoking medicines, on the NHS, you can have regular catch-ups with your pharmacist or a member of their team to help keep you motivated.